If you are talking about a fait accompli i.e. a will you know of that has a solicitor appointed, then I would keep a close eye on them, chase etc depending on the type of firm and their reputation. Also, a lot depends on size of estate, type of beneficiaries and quite honestly the experience of the main beneficiary. Wills can produce a lot of bitter rancour if difficult people are involved. Indeed, I know of an estate where a very difficult beneficiary felt very entitled so a solicitor had to be called in to use the weight of the law to deal with them. If a simple estate, it can be carried out by a trusted person but if more complex i.e. property o'seas etc, a solicitor will be needed. I learnt a lot executing estates but also saw another side to people I did not expect, especially after a loved one has passed away.